Blue Water Lily

Description:

The leaves are large and flat, rounded or oval in shape with notched margins, up to 40 cm in diameter, and cleft almost to the centre where the petiole is attached.The margins are slightly rolled inwards toward the uppermost side (involute) which helps keep the blades afloat. The underside of the leaf, which is continually wet, has a strong attraction to the water and this holds the leaf flat against the water. The veins act like a structural support for the leaves. The upper leaf surface is coated with a smooth waxy cuticle, which gives it the appearance of being leathery and shiny.

Habitat:

Most fresh water environments like ponds or rivers.

Notes:

Found in large quantites in shallow parts of this dam. Not yet in bloom. Note also the dead Sickle Bush stumps Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana, and reeds.